KUALA LUMPUR, August 4 (Bernama) — All samples of products for halal certification are sent for analysis at the Chemistry Department, which has been accredited for deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) testing, said Malaysian Islam Development Department (Jakim) director-general Osman Mustapha.

He said there were several important factors in an analysis, including test method, limit of detection, instruments, analyst and accreditation of the testing scope which can influence the test results.

“Based on these factors, Jakim has relied on the results of analysis by the Chemistry Department as practised by other government departments such as the Ministry of Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism,” he said in a statement here Thursday.

On Wednesday, MCA President Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek criticised Jakim and accused the department of being too stiff in resolving issues on halal certification.

Dr Chua had also questioned the standards set by Jakim and whether they were accepted internationally and said that he would raise the issue with the National Economic Committee.

Osman said in implementing the halal certification, the sampling of products or raw materials was based on two factors, of whether there was a doubt or a complaint was lodged.

In the meantime, Jakim Halal Hub Division Senior Assistant Principal Director, Hakimah Mohd Yusof said Jakim was prepared to discuss with entrepreneurs on obtaining halal certification but at the same time, there would be no compromise where the interest of Islam and Muslims was concerned.

In KUCHING, Minister in the Chief Minister’s Office Datin Fatimah Abdullah advised “kek lapis” (layered cake) producers in the state to use only Jakim- approved ingredients to avoid problems.